Question:
I have been completing my resume and need a little help. In the objective
space, I have " To obtain a position as an RN in a medical setting. "
Well..that is really stupid, what other setting is there for a nurse to
work in. One source says not to use the word "obtain" as it implys being
given.
1.So..any help with my objective ?
2.What about skills ? I have worked only as a CHHA/CNA and under skills I
have " Health Care: Ability to relate well to those who need healthcare"
again..pretty lame..what do employers want to see under skills for a
nurse...do I list skills I have performed in school ?
3.What about references...I have heard not to put "references available
upon request" but to make a seperate sheet with them. Do I give that with
my resume ? Or do I just list them on the application ?
4.Is a cover letter necessary ?
Answer:
1. Your objective statement is fine, but you are right to think of how it might
SOUND to someone else. How about making a completely different objective
statement that would presume the one you already have? For instance:
Objective: "To practice as a Registered Nurse in a well-rounded acute care
medical setting where my skills will be fully utilized, challenged, and
expanded."
This one assumes that you will "obtain a position". Further, it acknowledges
that you are a new grad, and you are enthusiastically pursuing a learning
experience.
2. Good question. I bet this really depends on the position, the facility, and
the person reading your resume. Your mention of your experience dealing with
patients is the start, of course, but don't hesitate to mention your clinical
experiences. Did you have any especially unusual experiences? Example:
Experience: "I provided direct patient care with minimal supervision in a
variety of patient care areas over a four year period. I completed clinical
rotations over the past two years in every major area of nursing. During
these clinical experiences, I was able to participate directly in the birth of
premature infants on three occasions, to provide direct nursing care to these
infants over the following three weeks, and assist with discharge teaching for
each of the families involved."
Something like that. It could spark some interest....in this case if you are
interested in a position in L&D, for example. Remember, though, that the
hospital has a pretty good idea what a new grad nurse is capable of doing. If
you have good experience somewhere in your past -- even experience in a
different field -- go ahead and focus on that experience....especially if you
are going to use a previous employer in that field for a reference. For
example, when I was interviewed for my current position as a psych nurse, the
manager was fascinated by my experience years ago working as a highschool
teacher in a high crime area. He thought it was relevant.
3. You will have to look at how the application is formatted. Generally, though,
most employers expect you to put just about everything from your resume on the
application. It's redundant, but they almost always seem to ask for it. I
have never heard that the statement "Available on request" is not good. But
just in case, why no go ahead and put two or three references? Put a favorite
clinical instructor (especially one that has a GOOD relationship with the
place you are applying to). Put at least one former/current employer, because
the person reading your application is not just looking for a skilled nurse,
s/he is looking for a reliable employee. Consider putting the name of the
organizer of some community service for which you volunteered.
4.No. If there is an application, the assumption is that many applicants will
turn them in in person, when a cover letter would be awkward. Then, you can
assume that the people who will be further reading your application will be
used to reading their specific application format, looking for specific
information where they are used to finding it....not on a cover letter.
Of course, if you are mailing it in, you should at least include a note
addressed to the employment office (Nurse Recruiting, Personnel, etc...)
explaining that you are applying for a position, making reference to a
specific position if one is posted somewhere (job board, newspaper, etc.).
A cover letter is optional, in my opinion, but I do think it is a good idea to
follow up on the application 2 or 3 days after it is sent. You can do this
either in writing or on the phone...and nurses being as busy as they are...the
phone is probably best. But, it really depends on how the facility is
recruiting. For instance, some of them DO NOT want phone calls. If it is a
hospital which is listing a job somewhere, they will probably have office
hours for the submission of applications. It is always best to "walk it in"
during those hours...earliest in the morning and earliest in the week, if
possible, because you want to be available for immediate interviewing. Most
nurse recruiters like to do an innitial interview when they accept an
application; it helps them weed out those applicants who are not serious or
qualified.
One more thing, from experience. It can take a long time for the process to
move along. Don't get discouraged if you don't hear from them right away.
Don't get discouraged if you don't get an offer. Don't get discouraged if
they give you the "don't call us, we'll call you" smile. Just stick with it,
look and sound enthusiastic and self confident, network with other nurses and
with your instructors, and keep your eyes open. You never know what will pop
up while you are busy looking.....
